Rita Cronin, 69, of Lake City, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Country Cottage Senior Living in rural Plainview where she has resided the past three years. She was born June 16, 1954, in Lake City, to Edwin and Florence (Danckwart) Holst. She attended the Whelan School in rural Wabasha County during her elementary years and junior high at St. John's Lutheran School in Lake City graduating from Lincoln High School in 1972. Rita went on to attend Rochester Vo-Tec for one year.

On September 1, 1973, she married the love of her life David Cronin at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City. They made their home in Gillford Township, Wabasha County where they farmed and raised their four children. Rita was also employed by Goodhue County FSA (Farm Service Agency) for 20 years.

Rita enjoyed going on long country drives with David, visiting her friends, neighbors, and businesses – usually with a treat or two.  She loved spending time working in her flower gardens, canning the produce from her vegetable garden, and cooking for her family and going antiquing.  Her grandchildren brought her so much joy and she loved spending time with them. Rita was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church and a member of the CCW.

Rita is survived by her children, Carrie Cronin, Coleen Cronin, and Chris Cronin all of Lake City, and Courtney (Kyle) Schuchard of Millville; four grandchildren, Ella Cronin, Connor Ball, Chloe and David Schuchard; a brother, Lynn Holst of Lake City; sister-in-law's Geraldine Cronin of West St. Paul, Bernadette (Joe) Roles of Lindstrom, MN, Betty Cronin of Lake City, and Maren Holst of Lake City; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David, a brother Curtis, and brother-in-law Gerald.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City with Father Thé Hoang and Father James Russell officiating. The burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Lake City. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.